Page 2612 - Week 09 - Tuesday, 24 August 1993
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I too would like to comment on recommendation 14, which is about the allocation of moneys for North Watson stage 1, North Duffy-Holder stage 1 and Richardson, section 450, stage 1 - the Tuggeranong Homestead site. It is simply inexcusable for the documentation prepared by agencies to imply that the Planning Authority will actually proceed with the variations on these sites with or without our approval and subsequently that of the Assembly. It is especially difficult for members of community groups currently opposed to the variations proceeding to have any faith at all in the integrity of the planning process. It is important to note that, while the committee notes the notional allocation of funds for these projects, no moneys will be spent until the planning process with respect to these draft variations has been finally determined.
Recommendations 12 and 16 both relate to the needs of Gungahlin residents. The committee paid some attention to the needs of those residents and appreciated receiving representations from members of the Gungahlin Community Council about how the implementation of community infrastructure in the new town centre was progressing. The committee noted that a number of projects referred particularly to the needs of future residents there. The construction of Palmerston Primary School and Pre-School will be the first educational facilities provided for Gungahlin residents. A number of other works were considered, including road works, a temporary bus interchange, Mulligan's Flat fencing and forward tree planting. Again the committee is looking for long-term planning strategies and timeframes which will guide the provision of appropriate infrastructure in future years. Educational and community facilities will warrant particular consideration.
Again I will comment on the Tuggeranong youth resource centre, recommendation 18, which will proceed with the committee's special endorsement, noting that it will need to be large enough and offer enough attractions and facilities to be able to meet the needs of Tuggeranong's ever-growing population. The timing of the construction of a new youth centre in Gungahlin will also need close monitoring and attention to ensure that it is completed in time to meet the needs of Gungahlin's young people. Following the committee's recommendations at the front of the report, it is worth mentioning that the committee will consider not proceeding with certain minor new works and landscaping provisions unless adequate documentation and information has been provided. It is simply unreasonable to expect the committee to approve millions of dollars of expenditure with little or no supporting information.
I would also like to draw the Assembly's attention to paragraph 44 of the report, which relates to the funds allocated to the bus-shelter construction program. We received advice that these were to be reduced from $350,000 to $100,000. The report states:
The Government may care to consider allocating the unutilised funds to accelerate work on 'Playground Safety and Landscape Development' (page 27 of the CWP).
It was interesting for the committee to note the media statements by the Minister for Urban Services, Mr Connolly, about the seemingly generous allocation in the capital works program for bus-shelters. I consider, Madam Speaker, that the provision of bus-shelters for the amenity of passengers is important and it will encourage people to use public transport, especially during inclement weather.
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